Biology Individual Placement at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

The Biology Individual Placement at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, offered by the Student Conservation Association, involves habitat monitoring and management projects. The internship runs from May 19 to August 8, 2025, requiring physical work in marsh and forest environments. Interns must have a valid driver's license, personal vehicle, and be eligible for AmeriCorps. Housing is provided on-site, and participants will receive a weekly living allowance and travel stipend.
Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country. This SCA internship will learn, participate, and assist with the implementation of habitat monitoring and management projects at Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. This SCA internship will learn, participate, and assist with the implementation of habitat monitoring and management projects at Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 – August 8, 2025

12 Week Position

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include but not limited to: vegetation and wildlife monitoring, data entry, report preparation, light maintenance, educating the public, and invasive species inventory and eradication (including the use of herbicides). The intern will be working long hours and some weekends as necessary. Field work is in marsh and forest communities, typically in hot, humid, conditions with numerous biting insects. Boat work is required.

Marginal Duties

Interns must be in good physical condition, possess valid driver’s license, and have good communication and organizational skills, ability to work well with others, live in close quarters, and be an enthusiastic field worker.

Required Qualifications

Driver’s license ;Personal vehicle required; Working toward or having a degree in biology or extensive experience in the subject, is preferred; Additional: Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes: Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; Being at least 18 years or older; Having a high school diploma or equivalent; Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing provided onsite is a shared bunk space with other Refuge interns and seasonal staff. Full kitchen facilities, wifi, and common living spaces are included in the housing accommodation.

Compensation

Weekly living allowance: $600 / week, paid bi-weekly by SCA; One-time travel allowance: $1,100;Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award valued at $1,956.35 , upon successfully completing the term and 450 hours of work. ;Housing provided on site.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Interpretive Skills

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.